Words by Priya Joshi
A short hop away from the UK, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for a long weekender and there’s no reason why you can’t do it in style.
The Dutch capital has so much more to offer beyond the cliches of wooden clogs, sex shops and space cake. It’s a cultural centre, where you can marvel at the works of the masters at the Van Gogh museum, and the Vermeers and Rembrandt at the nearby Rijksmuseum, before strolling through the beautifully manicured landscapes of Vondelpark. You can also take in the sights and discover the history of the city during a leisurely canal boat cruise, and take a trip to the world renowned Keukenhof Gardens to witness for yourself the flawless display of tulips that erupt into an ocean of colour mid-April to May.
For a truly luxurious sojourn in the heart of the Dutch capital, the Conservatorium hotel and Akasha Spa is the ultimate destination, where understated decadence meets style, elegance and comfort.
Dubbed the most outstanding addresses in the world Conservatorium is part of The Set Collection of hotels that include the Hotel Café Royal in London, and the exclusive destination hotels in Paris, Jerusalem, Beijing, Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai. Taking inspiration from the heritage of the original buildings upon which they are constructed while capturing elements of their iconic cultural locations, each hotel achieves the unique feat of marrying history, art and grandeur while embracing all the modernity of contemporary living.
Widely hailed as ‘Amsterdam’s Living Room’, the Conservatorium hotel, which was acquired as part of the Set Collection in 2008, encapsulates all the architectural brilliance and contemporary design of the luxury collection and is the perfect base for a relaxing weekend break in the city.
Hotel
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s museum quarter, Conservatorium is an imposing structure and a fitting neighbour to The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Concertgebouw. Formerly a bank, and then the home of the Sweelinck Conservatory of Music, the grand exterior of the 19th century landmark heritage building conjures up expectations of neoclassical design, gilt edged frames and all-round opulence. But it is fantastically deceptive.
In fact, the interior, designed by famed Italian interiors architect Piero Lissoni, is starkly contemporary in design and devoid of the stuffiness of a traditional establishment, while preserving the historical details of the original building.
Sunshine streams through the giant glass walls that house the sleek and luxurious reception, formerly the courtyard and a popular hot spot where everyone is welcome. Ladies who lunch take tea served in delicate silverware, suited businessmen meet in The Brasserie for important discussions over brunch, while passers-by drop in for a latte and to peruse the coffee table books and works of contemporary art that are strategically placed all around the hotel.
A five-foot-tall sculpture, Under My Skin (based on the children’s book bunny character Miffy), by Dutch artist Raphael Hermans greets guests at the entrance. You immediately realise that the dazzling hotel is one of contrasts: a luxury hotel that is part modern art museum, this is an eclectic and imaginative space with surprises at every corner.
The delicately lit corridors are adorned with high definition scans from real Italian and Flemish 17th and 18th century paintings and the sweeping stone staircases contrast with the understated décor of the contemporary suites.
Many of the original features of the building have been retained, hinting at the hotel’s history. The colourful tiles in the hallways ordained with bright bumblebees collecting honey and the heavy cast iron door of the original vault are remnants of the bank while a giant red pig (a piggy bank) sits on the stairwell of the spa.
A dramatic display in a foyer at the front entrance created from violins suspended from the ceiling pays homage to the students of the music academy. And the connection to its musical past is very much a feature of the hotel’s present, with students from local schools invited to perform for guests on the terrace in the warm summers.
Rooms and suites
The 129 guest rooms and suites are a varied blend of luxury, minimalist design and comfort, each more impressive than the next, ranging from the double bedrooms to the grand junior suites. The triple level ‘I love Amsterdam Suite’ boasts quirky features including exposed beams, a sunken bath and a spiralling staircase that leads up to the private terrace which offers 360-degree views of the city. And there’s the palatial, but exclusively private penthouse suite, an elegant hideaway with its own discreet entrance, preferred by the succession of politicians, sports stars and celebrities seeking a luxurious retreat away from the glare of the public.
I was invited to stay in the deluxe duplex suite which, built across two floors, takes full advantage of the building’s high ceilings. The floor to ceiling windows offer views of the bustling city life on the street outside, trams packed with morning commuters and an endless stream of people on bikes cycling by as they begin their day. It paints an enthralling living picture of modern life in Amsterdam that you could watch endlessly. At the end of the evening, with the touch of a button, the giant curtain closes on the theatre of daily life as you withdraw into the comfort of the private space.
The suite itself is expansive, comprising a dining space with full length dining table, a lounge area, a first-floor bedroom and two separate bathrooms which are cleverly hidden behind giant doors that replicate the sleek cupboard spaces.
It is the height of contemporary styling, with clean white walls and soft modern furnishings in shades of beige and grey. Pieces of art decorate the corners with giant wooden clogs hanging on the walls, and glossy pictures from Australian artist Kevin Best adding pops of colour.
Lounging in front of the box is a given on holiday, and a large smart TV is a central feature in the sitting area and with a second TV occupying a corner of the upstairs bedroom, there are plenty of lounging options. There’s even a TV built into a wall in the bathroom. The spa-like space of soft, brown limestone takes on a whole other level of decadence, as you take a relaxing soak in the giant, bubble-filled bath, while sipping on a glass of Verve Clicquot as the surround sound music filters from the hidden speakers.
Espresso machines and complimentary Wi-Fi are standard. The mini bar, though, is anything but usual, with bottles of spirits, wine and champagne lined up alongside sweet treats, catering to the refined tastes of the clientele.
And there are more surprises for the hotel’s esteemed guests, with unexpected treats of delicate patisseries, fruit baskets and champagne on arrival, and the most refreshing prosecco laden jellied sweets on your pillow as part of your turndown service. It’s the personal touches that set Conservatorium apart, and here you are completely indulged.
Food and drink
Named after a giant Japanese drum, Taiko restaurant is located in what was formerly the percussion room of the music academy. There are further nods to its musical past with photos of icons such as Michael Jackson and John Lennon adorning the entrance, and the original shelving where sheet music and instruments were once stored remains intact.
It’s an ultra-chic hot spot, buzzing with energy that attracts discerning locals as well as guests of the hotel, eager to sample the inventive creations of chef Schilo van Coevorden. Inspired by his extensive experience in Asia, the contemporary Asian menu is principally Japanese in style, while incorporating Thai and Chinese influences.
Nibbles take the form of fresh edamame beans, star shaped pickles and spicy kimchi. A gyoza starter comes adorned with gold leaf, while the tender duck dim sum melts on the tongue, and generous bowls of warming guinea fowl yellow curry are accompanied by delicately scented coconut rice. The lavish meal concludes with the champagne infused nashi pear, the indulgent chocolate cherry ice and the refreshing rhubarb and strawberries adorned in shiso leaf.
It’s a deliciously decadent meal to match the setting, but the evening doesn’t need to end there. In the Tunes bar, you can sample some of the 40 brands of gin on offer and while away the evening listening to the DJ spin some tracks.
After an indulgent evening of fine dining, the healthy buffet breakfast at the Conservatorium Brasserie is most welcome. Underneath the glass atrium covering the courtyard you can enjoy contemporary breakfast and healthy lunches. Along with the extensive buffet of pastries, cereals, nuts, cheeses, eggs, salads and superfoods, there’s a choice of the à la carte dishes including salmon bagels and egg-white omelettes. It’s a nutritious and satisfying start to the day.
To do
Once you’ve experienced Conservatorium it’s a wrench when you have to actually leave, but the hotel is so centrally located that it’s a must to take the opportunity to see the local sites.
Within walking distance from the luxury shopping district in P.C. Hooftstraat, you’ll find the designer stores such as Gucci and it’s a five-minute walk to Vondelpark. While the main canals are walkable from the hotel, Dam Square and Centraal Station are just 15 minutes away by tram.
The easiest thing to do is to buy a prepaid Amsterdam City Card which allows unlimited travel on all public transport including the canal excursions, free bike hire and free admission to many of the city’s hidden gems, from selected museums to the unmissable 5D experience, This is Holland. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Anne Frank house which is just an eight-minute drive from The Conservatorium and in walking distance. A profoundly moving experience, it remains so popular with tourists that it has a five-week waiting list, so be sure to book online ahead of time.
A highly knowledgeable and super-efficient concierge team are on hand in the hotel reception to assist guests in making bookings for local tourist attractions and direct you to Amsterdam’s highlights, and Conservatorium even offers an exclusive package that includes transport and admission to the unmissable Keukenhof tulip gardens.
Spa
After a hectic day of sightseeing, the on-site Akasha spa voted The Netherlands’ number one luxury spa, is the haven of relaxation you need and an oasis in the heart of the city.
Built underground, the spa adopts an holistic approach to wellness with a range of relaxing treatments and therapies, while hotel guests have complimentary access to the Akasha gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam. It’s secluded and peaceful and it’s easy to while away an afternoon in the softly-lit pool and escape the bustling city.
The perfect end to the day.
In a nutshell
Conservatorium is a gem in the heart of Amsterdam and a luxurious retreat where you can escape from your daily routine and indulge your love for the finer things in life, be it immersing yourself in art, satisfying your taste for world-class food or enjoying the perfect weekend getaway in a beautifully serene setting with every comfort you could wish for at your disposal, and more. It’s so indulgent, you won’t want to leave.
Factbox
The deluxe suite is priced at €1,195 per night.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 50, 1071 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 570 0000
Website: conservatoriumhotel.com
